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Cargo Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Damco Spain SL

Ship Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

A Ship Superintendent is responsible for overseeing day to day technical and operational issues ... cargo * Responsible for planning and executing maintenance of the vessels regulatory required ...

A.R. Savage & Son, LLC

Cargo Coordinator

Tampa, FL · On-site

Act as a liaison between principals, ship owners, cargo interests, facility management, and internal teams F. Board vessels at marine facilities within the Ports to support operational oversight and ...

Antillean Marine Shipping Corp

Stevedore

Miami, FL · On-site

Cargo Handling * Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure cargo with ropes, slings, and other tools to prevent damage and movement. * Place and ...

Antillean Marine Shipping Corp

Stevedore

Miami, FL · On-site

Cargo Handling * Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure cargo with ropes, slings, and other tools to prevent damage and movement. * Place and ...

Akima, LLC

Blocker and Bracer

Fort Stewart, GA · On-site

The Blocker and Bracer secures cargo in or aboard cargo carriers such as trucks, vans, trailers, railroad cars, sea vans, barges and ships to prevent damage during its transportation, determines ...

Antillean Line

Stevedore

Miami, FL · On-site

$19/hr

Cargo Handling * Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure cargo with ropes, slings, and other tools to prevent damage and movement. * Place and ...

Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals

Operations Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Thorough understanding of operating procedures for terminal equipment, including mobile and fixed equipment, ship loaders, ship's gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations.

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Cargo Ship information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo ship?

Cargo ships are large vessels designed specifically to transport goods and materials across seas and oceans. They are a vital part of international trade, carrying everything from raw materials like oil and coal to finished products such as electronics and vehicles. Cargo ships come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each specialized for different kinds of cargo. The crew on a cargo ship is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and maintenance of the vessel during its journey. These ships follow strict safety and environmental regulations to ensure efficient and secure transportation.

What are cargo ship jobs?

Cargo ship jobs include any positions involved in helping container ships transport freight from port to port across the world. Some of the different jobs include the captain, officers of the watch, engineers, electricians, other skilled tradespeople, and workers in the steward’s department. Your duties in each of these jobs differ significantly. For example, as a deckhand or able seaman, you maintain a clean and safe deck, paint the ship, and haul cargo. Deck officers oversee the deck, set watch, and report any issues to the captain or other deck masters. As the captain, you oversee the overall operation of the ship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo ship officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Officer, you need a solid background in maritime operations, navigation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a maritime degree and STCW certification. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS navigation tools, and cargo handling equipment is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help coordinate crew activities and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial to maintain vessel safety, efficient cargo transport, and compliance with international regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working on a cargo ship?

Crew members on cargo ships often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to life at sea, and working in a multicultural environment. They must also be prepared for physically demanding tasks and irregular working hours, including night shifts and extended duty during port operations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the crew works closely together to ensure safe navigation, cargo management, and compliance with international maritime regulations.

How to get a job on a cargo ship?

To get a job on a cargo ship, candidates typically need to meet maritime industry requirements, such as obtaining relevant certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and having prior experience or training in maritime operations. Applying through shipping companies, crew agencies, or maritime job boards is common, and physical fitness and the ability to work in a challenging environment are important.
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Cargo Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Facility Service Operator

Gulfstar Industries LLC

Kingwood, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Facility Services Operator performs a variety of duties at refinery and terminal customer locations, including connecting/ disconnect tanker trucks, rail cars, cargo ships or barges for loading or unloading liquid or bulk cargo and light facility maintenance.
  • Spot, connect, disconnect Tank Trucks or Rail Cars for loading or unloading liquid or bulk cargos.
  • Monitor the loading or unloading of Tank Trucks or Rail Cars.
  • Spot, connect, disconnect cargo hoses to or from Cargo Ships or Barges for the loading or unloading of liquid or bulk cargos.
  • Monitor and Operate Shore Side Flare or VDU (vapor destruction unit).
  • Monitor the loading or unloading of Cargo Ships or Barges.
  • Ability to Climb Stair Ways and / or Ladders for Gauging, Sampling, and Gathering Temperatures on Shore Tanks, Tank Trucks, or Rail Cars.
  • Ability to Climb Gangways for Boarding Cargo Ships or Barges.
  • Open and Close Valves throughout the Facility for Transfers to or from Shore Tanks to Tank. Trucks, Rail Cars, Cargo Ships, Barges, or Shore Tank to Shore Tank.
  • Obtain Certifications and Operate Forklifts and Shore Side Cranes.
  • Operate Locomotive and/or work the ground for In-Plant Rail Car Switching.
  • Clear and Clean Shore Side Pipelines and Hoses for Various Liquid Cargos.
  • Perform Facility Specific Duties in Accordance with Facility and Gulfstar SOP's.
  • Perform Light Plant Maintenance Up to and Including Housekeeping and Lawn Services as needed or requested.
  • Fill in or cover as needed at other Facilities and Call-Out Docks.
  • Attend and participate in all company Safety Meetings.
  • Attend and participate in Customer Safety Meetings.
  • Perform JSA's (job safety analysis).
  • Attend and Maintain Area Safety Council Training.
  • Adhere to Company and Facility Specific Safety Guidelines.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • TWIC - Must posses a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Medical Certification - Must clear a Pre-Employment Examination.
  • Drug & Alcohol Clearance - Must pass and remain compliant with Pre-Employment, Annual, Random, Post Incident, and Reasonable Suspicion for DCCHA Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy.
  • Drivers License - Must posses a valid Driver's License in resident state.
  • Rail Car Experience a plus

Success Factors
  • Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  • Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Physical Demands
  • Multilimbed Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Walking - Walk one to four miles per job.
  • Weight - Lift, grip, pull or hold up to 80 pounds to waist and carry up to 300 feet.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Working Conditions
  • Environment - Work outside in environmental conditions which at times include extreme heat or extreme cold. Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Technology
  • Employee Information Management Systems - QuickBase
  • CBT Safety Training Software - Complete all safety training topics, as they are assigned through Moxie Media.
  • Company Cell Phone - Review and respond to company email communications, as needed.

Tools
  • Hand Tools -
  • GSI issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • PPE - Employee is required to provide and maintain their own hand tools

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